Emily's Story (12 page)

Her desire centered on the entry of his tongue and the gentle pinch of his teeth. He consumed her, drawing out a need she didn’t understand, a craving she couldn’t control. Her knees came up and her breathing became harsh. His finger entered her again sliding smoothly inside. He then took the soft nub, waiting for him, between his lips and sucked.

Closing her eyes tightly, she felt the hum across her nerve endings turn to delicious shivers, growing from the center of her sex, up and over. Her scream echoed through the trees.

When the last pulse of her internal muscles vibrated around his finger he slowly backed away from the taste of honeyed spice traveling through his senses. He kissed his way up her body, his lips touching each breast, avoiding her tight pink nipples, he couldn’t take any more.

Finally his eyes, shards of black crystal, gazed into deep ocean blue.

“God.” Her smile was wicked.

She had a dark smudge of dirt on her cheek, pine needles threaded through tangled blond hair and more stuck to her skin. He had never seen anything or anyone so exquisitely beautiful. He took a deep breath, his desire raging, he had to stop. Grabbing her hand, he helped her to her feet and then released her. Touching even her hand and not giving into his need was beyond him.

Deep slow breaths helped his control. They entered the cabin and he walked straight to the bathroom, her gentle steps behind him. He turned and picked her up placing her bottom on the edge of the counter. His hand encompassed her smudged cheek. “We need a shower. I know it frightens you but the water will be warm. There is no evil to wash away but there are evil memories and I want to replace those with good ones. I’ll hold you if you will do this but I’ll also understand if you cannot. Trust me Emily.”

Indecision, fear, pain…they all traveled across her face, paralyzing memories of the harsh force of the pressure hose made her heart race. She closed her eyes, “Yes.”

He adjusted the temperature but stopped looking in her direction. Her tears were close to the surface and he was close to changing his mind. When the water was perfect, he scooped her from the counter, stepped under the spray, and held her stiff body in his arms. Time slowed.

Finally, her hands came up and cupped together to let the spray fill them. Releasing the water, it slid through her fingers. Wet eyelashes lifted to his gaze and then her arms went around his neck and her head relaxed against his shoulder.

Gently, he kissed the side of her face and slowly lowered her legs to the shower floor. Picking up the soap, he began washing them both. Covering her in lather, he turned her body around in a full circle letting the water rinse away the soap and caress her skin.

“It feels so good.”

Bringing his forehead to hers, he whispered, “You are beautiful, your body calls to mine and I want to hear your cries of pleasure.” He nipped her shoulder gently.

Her blue eyes looked into his and pheromones exploded throughout the small room.

His erection throbbed. He should receive saint status for his stamina in not giving in to his needs. Not yet, soon. He backed away from her body and shook his head, his damn wolf wasn’t taking no for an answer and the need to sink into her body was endless torture.

With deep steady breaths he closed his eyes and gained control but knew, if he looked at her, he would ignite.

Turning off the water, he grabbed two towels and heard her stomach rumble. “The change makes us use energy and I need to add weight to your skinny bones.” He pinched the side of her hip.

“Ouch.”

He ginned, “I’ll kiss the bruise later, come on.”

Chapter 14

The day continued and thoughts swirled through Emily’s mind. Unrelenting fear for Brandt terrified her. She needed him, wanted his touch, and wanted him to teach her everything in this strange new world. With him she was no longer evil or unwanted. She knew he was going to die.

He read from Call of the Wild trying to soothe her, knowing she was afraid.

His voice wrapped around her and she remembered.

Running through the woods after killing her mother, she saw the large beast from the corner of her eye when it attacked. The pain from his bite was almost welcome because it brought the horrific killing of Carolynn into focus. When the huge wolf stood over her, pain from the injury kept her from moving. Black dots confused her mind, but there was something in his scent that broke through the dark shadows.

Even now, while he recited the wolf story, his intensity was overwhelming, troubling, but calming at the same time. His touch caused her heart to accelerate and desire to flood her senses. When he had wiped his blood across her lips, every nerve ending in her body burned. He told her he felt the same way after tasting her blood.

She struggled to understand what was happening around her. Doubt made her anxious. To fast, too much and she momentarily yearned for a dark room away from her new world. Waves of sadness consumed her.

“Hey, are you okay?” He was looking at her and no longer reading.

“I’m okay.”

“You, my not so smart she-wolf, are lying.”

Indignation shown in her eyes but he didn’t let her speak. “I can smell your sorrow; talk to me. Trust me.”

She inhaled his scent deeply. It calmed her thoughts. “You speak of your pack, wolves, and beastkind with love but I’m afraid of this world. Don’t leave me.” Her beseeching eyes begged. “You will never come back.”

Competent arms gathered her close. “There is nothing and no one in this world that will keep me from you. I will walk beside you always. Two days Emily, it’s only been two days.”

He knew what would help. “Close your eyes for me.” He waited.

Her eyes closed.

“Now, don’t change to your wolf but picture her in your mind. Breathe in through your nose and feel the texture of the air. Feel the wild magic and the fur just beneath your skin. Now bring it in,
feel
your wolf.”

He gave her a moment before he continued, “Alphas are born, but it usually takes the blood of an alpha to release the magic. Their scent only changes after blood spills and the old alpha breathes his last. You are different. No battle warranted the energy inside you. It just happened. You are a miracle. When you are frightened, or unsure, use it. Your wolf will always guide you and if you trust her she will teach you what you need to learn.”

Her eyes opened, the sadness dissipating, joy causing her lips to widen and smile.

“I know something that will brighten your day even more.” His voice held mischief.

He lay the book down on the side table and grabbed her hand pulling her to her feet. “Follow me.”

He showed her how to use the washer and dryer, and he was right and she brightened, her fascination with her new world endless. She then questioned everything around the cabin. She took his hand and pulled him into his father’s office. He explained the computer and told her he would teach her how to use it, soon. Then he taught her the controls for the Ipod and they listened to music.

They ate and her questions continued. It reminded him of Kinsee. The world was a puzzle and every piece had to fall into place. She managed to awkwardly cut a small piece of meat because she wanted to use a knife and fork.

She touched it to her lips but pulled the fork back. “Is this rabbit?” Her voice was horror stricken.

He laughed, “No, it’s a cow, they’re huge and don’t have nearly the cuteness. I can show you a picture on the computer although it’s probably not a great idea because you will find something appealing about them. You need meat.” His voice gentled. “Would you like a pet rabbit? It will need to be caged so none of the wolves have a snack but you would probably enjoy its softness.”

Anxiety tore through her. She could never put anything in a cage.

Realizing what he said, Brandt was out of his chair and lifting her into his arms immediately. His hands ran gently over her back. “Sorry baby, no cages.” His lips came down on hers. A minute later, he lifted his head and placed her feet back on the floor. “Eat. No rabbits for pets, I promise.”

In the early afternoon she stood looking out of the window through the outside bars.

A kiss landed on the side of her neck. “Let’s run.”

The bristles from the underbrush rubbed against her fur. The smells fascinated her wolf. Everything was different. Her legs gained a sense of balance and she didn’t feel clumsy like the first time she changed outdoors. She let her wolf take over and guide her.

They ate a large dinner and then Brandt continued reading from his wild book. His voice reverberated gently around her. She watched his fingers turn the pages and the muscles change in his face. The inflection of each sentence flowed with the story. She closed her eyes and imagined her wolf.

Her wolf had no problem taking over, she knew what she wanted. Silky fingers traveled up his jawline; bristly, hard and strong.

Turning, he kissed her hand but continued reading

Cautiously, her fingers traveled, and smoothed across his neck and further down his shirt. She needed to touch skin and her hand traveled to the end of the material and up underneath. Not warm but surprisingly hot. Gently, her fingers trailed the light dusting of hair. Her wolf also found it fascinating. Traveling to the center of his chest and then down, skimming below the waist of his pants. She smelled the change in his scent; tangy spice, raw.

Steel fingers gripped hers. Laying the book down, he pulled her onto his lap, and lifted her hands from their travels, placing them on his shoulders. His whisper sounded low in her ear, “You are being a naughty wolf.”

“My wolf wants to touch you.”

Laughing huskily, he kissed her.

His taste and the texture of his mouth made her want more.

With a frustrated groan, he lifted her and placed her back on the couch beside him. “Dominique will be here in a few minutes.” He took a moment to control his breathing and then continued. “I’m sorry you cannot go with me to the challenge. I will declare you my mate after I kill Zeb. The bond won’t completely seal until we join our bodies but that is for us and not the pack.” He looked intently into her eyes. “I am leaving a key to the door with Dom. I will not trap you inside but I’m asking you to stay here. The challenge cannot be broken. If it is, the challenger has a right to fight the wolf responsible. You’re not ready for a fight and I want you safe.”

There was a soft knock on the door and Brandt rose to let Dominique into the room. She was carrying a large bag with handles. Casting Emily a shy smile, she took the sack into the kitchen.

Brandt took Emily’s hand and guided her into the bedroom. Once there, his movements showed a single minded purpose. He removed his t-shirt and sweatpants then put on a pair of faded jeans that hung low on his hips. The muscles on his arms bulged and his chest rippled with his movements.

His eyes were almost black when he turned her way. Suddenly, his mouth came down hard on hers and his tongue invaded savagely.

His scent, which filled the room, was strange. She could feel electrical energy blanketing his skin. It almost hurt. She opened the link to her wolf and immediately the sparks arced between them. It wasn’t pain---it was power.

Finally, he broke the kiss. Holding her away but gripping her firmly, shadows rolled over his eyes. For just an instant they softened. “I love you.”

He walked away without looking back. The front door closed solidly behind him.

Dominique’s hand slid the key into the lock, securing the door. Her fingers trembled. She dropped the key in her pocket.

Emily heard her inhale before Dominique turned in her direction.

“I know this is difficult but I brought a few things for you. The first is hot chocolate and I think you will like it.” She smiled shyly though her eyes were downcast. “I brought you a dress and some other things so you can be ready for your mate’s return.”

Putting her hand out, Emily took Dominique’s fingers into hers and instantly felt her own panic recede. Walking to the kitchen, Dominique showed her how to make the hot drink.

It tasted like liquid cake.

When finished, the two made their way to the bathroom, Dominique carrying the bag from the kitchen.

“Take off your clothes.” Dominique wouldn’t look at Emily but her voice held a small bit of command.

Emily thought this funny, and followed orders. She knew the timid she-wolf was helping to keep her mind off Brandt.

Shimmery red silky material fell over Emily’s body, hugging her curves. The low cut V-neck accented her cleavage and the hem stopped just below the crease where her bottom and thighs met. Feeling odd, she tried to walk past the other wolf to look in the larger mirror in the bedroom but Dom stopped her.

“No, you can’t look until we’re done. Please?” Dominique’s voice was excited. She plugged in a cord with a long thing at the end. “I’m going to curl your hair and then put makeup on your face. Your mate needs a reward for winning his challenge tonight.”

Emily stood still under the onslaught of attention. She could see herself in the bathroom mirror and saw the changes take effect. She wondered if Brandt would like it. When Dom completed her tasks, they both walked into the bedroom. Emily slowly turned in front of the looking glass.

Completing a second slow circle, the electrical spark she felt on Brandt’s skin earlier multiplied and painfully charged through her body.

Dominique dropped to her knees, her hands coming up to her head making her distress evident. She struggled to get her words out so Emily would know what was happening. “It’s the call of the alpha. Brandt is telling the wolves that he is our leader. The battle will start soon.” Dominique was breathing heavily.

Emily’s entire body focused on Brandt’s call; his fury, his need. It was need for her. She could feel it coursing through every nerve in her body.

Rage grew thick in the room and Dominique tried to run. A steel grip landed on the terrified wolf’s arm and deadly blue eyes flashed. They drilled into the woman holding the key to the front door.